Curivari’s Seleccion Privada

Curivari began in Europe in 2003 and expanded into the USA in 2010, just in time to join our “still ongoing” recovery from the Great Recession. While the company maintains a low profile in the US, I found their cigars on the websites of most major internet sellers. Every year Curivari launches a new cigar and at the 2014 show they provided me with their Seleccion Privada Maduro, a Nicaraguan puro called Eminentes. I believe this one was originally launched in 2012.

A close look at the picture of the 51/2 X 52 Robusto clearly shows the veiny, almost lumpy appearance of this maduro although the color was attractive. The entire cigar was more hard than firm. The maduro wrapper provided the expected sweetness and the initial flavors were leather and chili with an after taste of vanilla. By the second half the chili dropped away and was replaced by black pepper and coffee. The draw and smoke volume were average and the ash was slightly better than average. It took an hour and 5 minutes to smoke this medium bodied cigar and its price point is around $5 each when purchased by the box of 10. This reasonable price saved the rating of the cigar. I give it a 3 out of 5.